Cruel “morons” have vandalised a brand new children’s play area in Levengrove Park.

The new boat-themed area only opened to the public at the end of April.

Louts have set fire to the base of the play ship — leaving a charred, blackened mess behind.

The council say they have been left “disappointed” by the vandalism and say they plant to install CCTV at the park over the summer.

Angry Dumbarton resident Paul Stuart hit out at the yobs responsible and called for high visibility police patrols in the area.

He said: “The refurbishment of the park isn’t even finished and thugs have spoiled it.

“It’s staggering that just weeks after part of the park reopened that yobs have seen fit to damage it.

“There seems to be a real issue with vandalism and anti social behaviour in Dumbarton and the police seem unwilling or unable to deal with it.

“A few more high visibility patrols at key times would not go amiss.”

The play park represents the council’s biggest ever investment in such a facility, costing £227,400, and is part of the wider £3.7million restoration of Levengrove, which is due to be completed this year.

The Victorian park is currently going through a revamp which will see a make-over to the popular Kilmahew Fountain, a new pavilion with a café, information centre and toilets.

A specialist additional needs play park will also be constructed later this year.

A council spokeswoman said: “The new play facilities at Levengrove are being enjoyed by thousands of children each week and it’s really disappointing to see the area targeted by vandals.

“The damaged wood chips have been replaced and we will repaint the scorched wood over the coming weeks.

“CCTV is set to be installed in the park over the summer and we will continue to work in partnership with police and the fire service to prevent incidents such as this.”